Muddling Through

For Friday, December 16, 2011

There is a beauty to Christmas songs that cannot be denied. Although many are uplifting and joyous, there are others that bring a certain melancholy, songs such as Blue Christmas, I’ll Be Home for Christmas, and the one that brings a tear to my eyes, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.

That song was sung by Judy Garland in the movie, Meet Me in St Louis. In the film, Garland’s character sings to a five year old girl who is upset over an impending move. The lyrics of the song were altered by Garland and later again by Frank Sinatra, but in each version there is an encouragement that we let our "heart be light" and a reminder that our present troubles will soon "be out of sight". There is a reminder that "faithful friends who were dear to us will be near to us once more" and that "someday soon we will all be together if the fates allow". Although Sinatra sang asking that we “hang a shining star upon the highest bough”, Garland suggested that “until then we’ll have to muddle through somehow”. I admit, I prefer Garland’s honest lyric there.

Christmas is a celebratory time, but indeed there are moments of melancholy when we think of the past and we recognize the fact that we’ve lost friends and family who will no longer celebrate with us in the way we fondly remember. Sometimes we must "muddle through" after reminders that we are to acknowledge the passing of time. I see nothing wrong with allowing those moments of sadness reach us, as long as we don’t get lost within them. It is good to remind ourselves to have a merry little Christmas and to let our hearts be light.

To hear Ms. Garland's song from Meet Me In St. Louis, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5g4lY8Y3eoo

If you prefer Frank Sinatra, here is his version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpPdl0StUVs